GREAT start for the Sixers, who ran the Nets out of the building on Saturday in a 20-point game one win. Paul Reed dribbled behind his back and through his legs and then the fans won Chic-fil-A to boot. What an afternoon!

There was also this:

James Harden led the way with a 7-13 mark from downtown. He was having trouble finishing around the rim early on, but showed some vintage step back moments in this one. 23 points and 13 assists will get it done on most nights for the Sixers’ point guard.

The other three point contributors were:

  • P.J. Tucker: 2 for 5
  • Tobias Harris: 3 for 3
  • Joel Embiid: 1 for 4
  • Tyrese Maxey: 3 for 5
  • Jalen McDaniels: 1 for 1
  • Georges Niang: 2 for 4
  • De’Anthony Melton: 2 for 7


That’s 21 for 43 for a 48.8% mark on the afternoon.

They did a nice job handling Brooklyn’s Embiid traps and double teams, spaced the floor nicely around their MVP candidate, and moved the ball well, turning it over just eight times. They finished +10 in turnover margin and grabbed 14 offensive rebounds, with five of those coming from P.J. Tucker.

Easy win. More on Monday morning.